Liver Diseases, Alcoholic

In mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, twice-weekly injections of Surrozen's molecule for two and a half weeks decreased lung fibrosis, reduced inflammation and improved lung function compared to controls. A Wnt/β-catenin pathway agonist under development by Surrozen appears to be effective against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in mouse models, according to new data. The results, published April 2 in the journal Respiratory Research, are an early signal of a potential new indication for the company’s SWAP technology.  “Current treatments for severe lung disease like IPF aren’t able to regenerate normal, functional tissue,” Yang Li, Ph.D., executive vice president of research at Surrozen, said in a press release. “This work … represents a breakthrough in understanding the role of the Wnt pathway in lung fibrosis and the potential for Wnt mimetics to reduce fibrosis and improve lung function.”  IPF is a condition where scar tissue builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It occurs in about 13 to 20 in every 100,000 people globally, most of them between the ages of 50 and 70. IPF is sporadic and doesn’t have a clear cause, though there are a handful of linked gene mutations and known risk factors. The latter include smoking, exposure to wood or metal dust and some drugs such as certain antibiotics, heart medications and cancer therapies.  The Wnt/B-catenin signaling pathway is a group of proteins that are heavily involved in tissue development and maintenance, including in the lungs. Prior to the new study, it wasn’t clear whether activating the pathway was helpful or harmful in IPF, as there was some evidence that genes associated with its activation were elevated in patient tissue samples and mouse models, the researchers noted in the article. On the other hand, a type of stem cell found in the lungs requires Wnt signaling activity for cell maintenance and renewal, and research in mice suggested that activating the pathway decreases lung inflammation. After demonstrating in mice that activating the pathway was more beneficial against IPF than suppressing it, Surrozen researchers tested out a molecule called a Wnt mimetic antibody, which mirrors the effects of proteins involved in Wnt pathway signaling. In mice with IPF, twice-weekly injections of the molecule for two and a half weeks decreased lung fibrosis, reduced inflammation and improved lung function compared to controls. The antibody's benefits appeared to come from its activity on several different types of cells, including cells of the alveoli—the tiny air sacs in the lungs—as well as stromal and immune cells. “Our findings suggest there is great potential for modulating Wnt/B-catenin signaling to treat lung diseases including IPF—a possibility warranting more thorough explanation,” the researchers wrote in the article. They plan to continue to develop Wnt mimics that target specific cell types, which would enable therapies with a lower risk of systemic side effects.  Surrozen’s focus on the Wnt pathway has yielded two candidates so far: SZN-043 for alcohol-associated hepatitis and SZN-413 for retinal disease. The company had also been developing another drug, SZN-1326, for inflammatory bowel disease but halted that program in January due to side effects.  SZN-043 is currently being tested in a phase 1b trial, for which the company may have data in the second half of 2024. For SNZ-413, which is being co-developed with Boehringer Ingelheim, the biotech announced April 1 that it had completed a phase 1a trial and was in the process of initiating phase 1b.

In a preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis, a Surrozen antibody-based SWAP platform molecule decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and improved lung function Surrozen Wnt mimetic SWAP molecules also expanded alveolar organoid cultures and impacted multiple lung cell types in vivo Results highlight the potential of Wnt mimetic agonists to repair tissue after damage in severe lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surrozen, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRZN), a company pioneering targeted therapeutics that selectively modulate the Wnt pathway for tissue repair and regeneration, announced today publication of data in Respiratory Research highlighting the potential for Surrozen’s Wnt mimetic technologies to treat serious lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-024-02786-2. The results observed with systemic administration of Surrozen’s Wnt mimetic antibody in an acute bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis demonstrate a Wnt pathway mediated decrease in inflammation and fibrosis and improvement in lung function. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by areas of myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, disruption of alveolar architecture, and restricted lung physiology. In pulmonary fibrosis, multiple cell types may need to be targeted to provide a regenerative environment facilitating repair. Mechanisms that stimulate expansion of certain beneficial cell types in the lung which also limiting expansion of fibrosis promoting cell types and of pro-inflammatory cells may be desirable. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the lung alveolar epithelium. During development this pathway is critical for the establishment of alveoli. In adult lungs, a subset of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells are stem cells, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for AT2 cell maintenance and renewal under both normal and injured conditions. Furthermore, activation of Wnt signaling has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages in several mouse lung damage models. “Current treatments for severe lung diseases like IPF aren’t able to regenerate normal, functional tissue,” said Yang Li, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research at Surrozen. “This work published in Respiratory Research represents a breakthrough in understanding the role of the Wnt pathway in lung fibrosis and the potential for Wnt mimetics to reduce fibrosis and improve lung function.” About SZN-043 for Severe Alcohol-Associated HepatitisSZN-043 is the first development candidate using Surrozen’s SWEETS™ technology. Surrozen is developing SZN-043 for severe liver diseases, initially focusing on alcohol-associated hepatitis. The Company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The Company is initiating the Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. About SZN-413 for Retinal DiseasesSZN-413 is a bi-specific antibody targeting Fzd4-mediated Wnt signaling designed using Surrozen’s SWAP™ technology. It is currently being developed for the treatment of retinal vascular-associated diseases. Data generated by Surrozen with SZN-413 in preclinical models of retinopathy demonstrated that SZN-413 could potently stimulate Wnt signaling in the eye, induce normal retinal vessel regrowth, suppress pathological vessel growth and reduce vascular leakage. This novel approach could thus potentially allow for regeneration of healthy eye tissue, not only halting retinopathy, but possibly allowing for a full reversal of the patient’s disease. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Surrozen entered into a strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim for the research and development of SZN-413 for the treatment of retinal diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim received an exclusive, worldwide license to develop SZN-413 and other Fzd4-specific Wnt-modulating molecules for all purposes, including as a treatment for retinal diseases, in exchange for an upfront payment to Surrozen of $12.5 million. Surrozen will also be eligible to receive up to $587.0 million in success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. After an initial period of joint research, Boehringer Ingelheim will assume all development and commercial responsibilities. About Wnt SignalingWnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis, and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone, and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy. About SurrozenSurrozen is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing drug candidates to selectively modulate the Wnt pathway. Surrozen is developing tissue-specific antibodies designed to engage the body’s existing biological repair mechanisms with a current focus on severe liver and eye diseases. For more information, please visit www.surrozen.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “potential,” “expect,” “could,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidates SZN-043 and SZN-413 (including anticipated clinical development plans and timelines, and the availability of data, the potential for such product candidates to be used to treat human disease, as well as the potential benefits of such product candidates), and the Company’s partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, including the potential for future success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of Surrozen and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Surrozen. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of research and development activities, preclinical or and clinical trials with respect to SZN-043, SZN-413 and potential future drug candidates; the Company’s ability to fund its preclinical and clinical trials and development efforts, whether with existing funds or through additional fundraising; Surrozen’s ability to identify, develop and commercialize drug candidates; Surrozen’s ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies for SZN-043, SZN-413, or other future product candidates; the effects that arise from volatility in global economic, political, regulatory and market conditions; and all other factors discussed in Surrozen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Surrozen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Surrozen has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Surrozen presently does not know, or that Surrozen currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Surrozen’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Surrozen anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Surrozen may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Surrozen specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Surrozen’s assessments of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Investor and Media Contact: Investorinfo@surrozen.com

-Phase 1a trial demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability with no reported serious adverse events-Phase 1a data demonstrated target engagement, a pharmacodynamic effect and effects on liver function-Initiating Phase 1b proof-of-concept trial in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis- Expect to Present Safety, PD and PK Data for SZN-043 at Upcoming Medical Meeting in 2024 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surrozen, Inc. (“Surrozen” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SRZN), a company pioneering targeted therapeutics that selectively activate the Wnt Pathway for tissue repair and regeneration, today provided an update on the Phase 1a clinical trial of SZN-043 in healthy volunteers and patients with cirrhosis. The Phase 1a study was completed in February 2024. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The observed safety and pharmacodynamic activity were the basis for the Company’s previous announcement that it planned to initiate enrollment in the Phase 1b study in alcohol-associated hepatitis. The randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1a trial enrolled a total of 48 subjects, including 40 healthy volunteers and 8 patients with cirrhosis and a history of liver disease. Single or multiple IV doses were administered in doses ranging from 0.5mg/kg to 3 mg/kg. There were no serious adverse events nor infusion reactions observed. In the planned Phase 1b trial dose range (0.5mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg), adverse events assessed to be drug related were mild to moderate and all resolved during the study. In healthy volunteers a few asymptomatic and transient transaminase elevations (ranging from mild to moderate) were observed which resolved without intervention, and with no clinical sequelae. There were no drug related adverse events reported in patients with cirrhosis at any dose. The pharmacokinetics of SZN-043 were consistent with our expectations and supportive of the planned doses, schedule and route of administration for alcohol-associated hepatitis. In cirrhotic patients with a history of liver disease, the Phase 1a study also demonstrated dose dependent pharmacodynamic (PD) activity through activation of Wnt signaling as assessed by the methacetin breath test. This test measures activation of the Wnt pathway via the metabolism of a Wnt target gene (CYP1A2) substrate. Target engagement was confirmed via transient increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Increases in ALP are indicative of SZN-043 binding to its targeting receptor ASGR1 and reduction in its capacity to clear ALP, consistent with observations in other ASGR1 binding agents. Cirrhotic patients also showed evidence of liver function effects after treatment with SZN-043 as measured by HepQuant which is a test that measures cholate clearance, a liver specific function that quantifies liver function. ”We are excited to have observed activation of Wnt signaling, target engagement and improvement in markers of liver function during the Phase 1a studies and are pleased to advance SZN-043 into the Phase 1b clinical trial in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. We look forward to presenting the encouraging Phase 1a data at an upcoming medical conference - the first clinical data for this innovative antibody-based approach to modulating the Wnt pathway,” said Craig Parker, President and Chief Executive Office of Surrozen. “Progress with our platform technologies supports our belief that modulation of the Wnt pathway has the potential to provide important new therapeutic options through targeted tissue regeneration.“ The Company is in the process of initiating the multi-center Phase 1b clinical trial in multiple countries and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. The study will enroll patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis in an open-label trial. The Company plans to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and a number of efficacy endpoints including MELD score, Lille score and survival. The MELD and Lille scores have been shown to correlate with clinical improvement and 90-day survival. About SZN-043 for Severe Alcohol-Associated HepatitisSZN-043 is the first development candidate using Surrozen’s SWEETS™ technology. Surrozen is developing SZN-043 for severe liver diseases, initially focusing on alcohol-associated hepatitis. The Company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers. SZN-043 demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in all subjects, with evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function. The Company is initiating the Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025. About SZN-413 for Retinal DiseasesSZN-413 is a bi-specific antibody targeting Fzd4-mediated Wnt signaling designed using Surrozen’s SWAP™ technology. It is currently being developed for the treatment of retinal vascular-associated diseases. Data generated by Surrozen with SZN-413 in preclinical models of retinopathy demonstrated that SZN-413 could potently stimulate Wnt signaling in the eye, induce normal retinal vessel regrowth, suppress pathological vessel growth and reduce vascular leakage. This novel approach could thus potentially allow for regeneration of healthy eye tissue, not only halting retinopathy, but possibly allowing for a full reversal of the patient’s disease. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Surrozen entered into a strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim for the research and development of SZN-413 for the treatment of retinal diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim received an exclusive, worldwide license to develop SZN-413 and other Fzd4-specific Wnt-modulating molecules for all purposes, including as a treatment for retinal diseases, in exchange for an upfront payment to Surrozen of $12.5 million. Surrozen will also be eligible to receive up to $587.0 million in success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. After an initial period of joint research, Boehringer Ingelheim will assume all development and commercial responsibilities. About Wnt SignalingWnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis, and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone, and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy. About SurrozenSurrozen is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing drug candidates to selectively modulate the Wnt pathway. Surrozen is developing tissue-specific antibodies designed to engage the body’s existing biological repair mechanisms with a current focus on severe liver and eye diseases. For more information, please visit www.surrozen.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “potential,” “expect,” “could,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidates SZN-043, and SZN-413 (including anticipated clinical development plans and timelines, and the availability of data, the potential for such product candidates to be used to treat human disease, as well as the potential benefits of such product candidates), and the Company’s partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, including the potential for future success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales . These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of Surrozen and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Surrozen. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of research and development activities, preclinical or and clinical trials with respect to SZN-043, SZN-413 and potential future drug candidates; the Company’s ability to fund its preclinical and clinical trials and development efforts, whether with existing funds or through additional fundraising; Surrozen’s ability to identify, develop and commercialize drug candidates; Surrozen’s ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies for SZN-043, SZN-413, or other future product candidates; the effects that arise from volatility in global economic, political, regulatory and market conditions; and all other factors discussed in Surrozen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Surrozen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Surrozen has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Surrozen presently does not know, or that Surrozen currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Surrozen’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Surrozen anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Surrozen may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Surrozen specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Surrozen’s assessments of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Investor and Media Contact:Investorinfo@surrozen.com